A new congestion charge affecting parts of Oxford comes into force today.
The temporary charge means drivers in cars will need to pay £5 a day if they travel through any of the six charging locations.
It means Oxford is the first city outside of London to implement a congestion charge.
Seven other UK cities, including Birmingham, Bath, Bristol and Edinburgh have similar clean air zone charges – which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions rather than the amount of traffic.
Here is all you need to know about the new charge.
When and where do charges apply?
The congestion charge covers six key locations, all of which are within the ring road that circles the city.
It includes:
• Hythe Bridge Street – Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm
• Thames Street – Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm
• St Cross Road – Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm
• St Clements – Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm
• Marston Ferry Road – Monday to Saturday 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm
• Hollow Way – Monday to Saturday 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm
Charges operate all year round, including on bank holidays.
Oxfordshire County Council said the daily £5 fee covers all six areas, and drivers can pass through several locations in a single day.
Those who fail to pay the charge will receive a £70 fine, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
Who does it apply to?
The charge applies to cars only – including electric cars.
All other vehicles, like vans, motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and lorries, can drive through the congestion zones without charge.
Alongside the congestion charge, the council is offering free Park and Ride bus journeys into the city centre for three months – starting on 29 October.
Up to two adults and three children can claim free travel to and from Oxford’s Park and Ride sites with a valid parking ticket.
How to pay
Drivers can pay the charge online, here.
They are required to pay the charge online by midnight on the day after they drive through one of the six locations. If they can’t pay online, they can pay by phone.
How long will the charge be in place?
The charge is expected to remain in place until August 2026, Oxfordshire City Council said.
It said the maximum time the temporary measure will apply is two years.
Read more:
What are proposed changes to London congestion charge?
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Are there any exemptions?
Yes, there are three different permits available for Oxfordshire residents. These allow residents a differing number of free day passes, meaning the congestion charge does not apply.
The type of permit residents are able to apply for depends on where they live in the city.
• The central permit grants residents unlimited free day passes and 50 free visitor passes
• The Oxford permit area grants 100 free day passes
• The Oxfordshire permit grants 25 free day passes
Permits are also available to blue badge holders, frequent hospital patients, unpaid carers and community health or care workers.
Why has it been introduced?
The council said the temporary measure is designed to reduce congestion in the city while Botley Road, which leads into the centre from the west, is closed.
The closure is down to the expansion of Oxford station, which has been delayed by 18 months.
Other purposes of the charge, according to the council, include:
• Make bus journeys faster and more reliable
• Allow for new and improved bus routes
• Make walking and cycling safer
• Reduce local air pollution
• Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
